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The Century of "Chikyu-jin"(Citizens of the Earth) In the year 2000, I will set off on my second space journey aboard Space Shuttle Discovery to participate in the construction of the International Space Station (ISS). My primary duty on this flight will be to operate the Space Shuttle's robotic arm to install the Zenith-1 Truss, which houses communication and attitude control devices, and the Pressurized Mating Adapter-3, which will serve as an ISS docking port for the Space Shuttle. I will also operate the Space Shuttle's robotic arm to support the extravehicular activities. The ISS, whose construction is currently underway, is scheduled for completion in the year 2006. Japan will participate in the ISS with the Japanese Experiment Module called "Kibo", which means "hope" in Japanese. Results obtained from various experiments and observations to be performed on the ISS will create various new technologies which will be beneficial to our life on earth, and will expand human knowledge in science fields such as astronomy and earth science. By combining our wisdom and broadening our frontier in space, while protecting the environment of our home planet Earth, we will be able to acquire new values and culture as one people - "Chikyu-jin" - with no awareness of boundaries or race. The ISS is an important step to achieve this. To accomplish this mission, I will make full use of the experience that I gained in my previous space flight during which I was involved in the operation of the Space Shuttle's robotic arm to retrieve the Japanese satellite, Space Flyer Unit (SFU). I am very pleased to take part in the construction of the ISS, which will create hope for mankind for the coming century.
Koichi Wakata
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